December is one of those months that flies by quickly because of vacations and all of the planning and preparation that goes into holiday celebrations. But if you take out some time early in the month, you can address important financial tasks that need to be finished before year’s end.

While you may be thinking mostly about buying gifts for loved ones and friends, here are some other tasks that should be on your December financial to-do list.

Give to Charity

Almost 20 percent of contributions made to nonprofits take place in December, according to the Giving Institute. If you’re in the giving mood this month, take a few steps to make sure that your contribution gives back to you at tax time. Make sure that the charity you choose qualifies for tax-exempt status and that you get documentation of your gift, such as a receipt or bank record. For contributions of cash or goods valued at $250 or more, you’ll need a written statement from the charity.

If you’re giving used goods, you’re entitled to deduct their fair market value from your taxes. If you think the items are worth more than $5,000, you’ll need an appraisal to support that valuation.

You have until Dec. 31 to make contributions and claim them on your 2016 taxes. Contributions made via credit card in December but not paid until January count, as do those with checks postmarked in December that aren’t cashed until after the new year.

Boost Your Retirement Savings

If you have extra cash (or receive some over the holidays) and haven’t maxed out your employer-sponsored retirement savings account this year, add contributing to your retirement plan to your financial to-do list. You have until the end of the year to do so. This year you can put up to $18,000 into a 401(k) plan, and those ages 50 or older can stash an additional $6,000 in employer-based retirement plans in catch-up contributions. In addition to building a bigger nest egg, increasing your 401(k) contributions will also lessen your taxable income for the year.

You have until the 2016 tax deadline—April 17, 2017—to make contributions to nonemployer retirement accounts such as an IRA or a Roth IRA.

Spend Down Flexible Spending Accounts

If you use flexible savings accounts to pay for medical expenses, child-care expenses, or commuting costs with tax-free money, make sure you draw down those accounts. While many companies offer a grace period of a few months into the next year to file claims, any money that you don’t claim will be lost. In addition to doctor’s visits, FSA-eligible expenses include prescription glasses, breast pumps and accessories for nursing mothers, vitamins, and sunscreen.

Note that money in health savings accounts that come with high-deductible health plans does not have to be spent and rolls over year to year.

Consider Converting to a Roth

Higher-income individuals typically don’t qualify for Roth contributions, but having some money in a Roth IRA can give you flexibility in retirement. You can convert money from a 401(k) or a traditional IRA into a Roth, but you’ll owe taxes this year on the funds you roll over. The move can be smart in years when you are reporting a low income or have a lot of deductions. But the rules are complicated, so speak with a tax professional to see whether this should be on your financial to-do list for the month.

Buy Items on Deep Discount

If you’re in the market for large appliances like dishwashers or dryers or small ones like coffee makers or toasters, you’ll find some great discounts this time of year as companies make room for newer models. You can add this to your financial to-do list for the month. But if you’re able to wait until after Christmas, the deals will be even better, although the selection may be slimmer.

Research by Consumer Reports' product experts, who track prices year-round, shows that December is also a great time to buy toys for children and pets. While the trendiest toys may not be on sale, you may be able to find good deals on classic games and electronics like video games and tablets.

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